Hello and welcome to a history of the United States.

Episode 143, Declaration of Independence.

Last time out, we looked at how British actions over late 1775 further inflamed American opinion

until talk of American independence started becoming quite serious.

On June 7, 1775, a delegate from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, submitted three resolutions to the Continental Congress.

But the United States should be free and independent, that an American Confederation

should be founded, and third, that an attempt should be made to find allies in continental Europe.

Seven delegations supported the resolutions, and six opposed. So it was decided to hold off debate

until July 1st. When the debate resumed, John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, author of letters

from her father in Pennsylvania, urged delay that the Americans should create a confederacy and secure

allies in Europe before declaring independence, and the matter was brought to a vote.

Nine delegations, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia supported the resolution for independence.

Pennsylvania and South Carolina opposed to the resolution.

The two delegates for Delaware disagreed, nullifying their vote.

The New York delegation had been instructed to abstain.

It looked like independent would have to wait.

Then, suddenly, everything changed.

The delegation from South Carolina changed their minds. A third delegate from Delaware

arrived, changing the votes of the colony, to pro-independence. John Dickinson and Robert Morris

withdrew from the Continental Congress, allowing Pennsylvania to vote yes. On July 2nd, 12 colonies voted unanimously

for independence. New York abstained, but voted to approve the resolution at a later date.

So, there you have it.

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